The Implications of Trump’s Policy on Maritime Navigation

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The ongoing conflict involving Iran has produced unexpected developments. Recently, President Trump made an unexpected announcement about implementing a 20 percent toll on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. This decision was quickly reversed, following a statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio that such a toll violates international law.

Trump’s alternative plan, although arguably legal, remains controversial. He proposed accepting financial investments from Gulf States instead of tolls. This approach disregards a foundational principle of the U.S. since its founding and contradicts the historical narrative of two military branches. It also ignores American contributions in world wars and shifts the stance the U.S. held in the Middle East during the Cold War. Essentially, it challenges nearly 250 years of history in promoting commercial freedom.

Trump views these investments as a strategy to offset the expenses of the U.S. military presence in the region, aligning with his transactional policy approach. However, this overlooks the broader historical context and reverses America’s traditional stance.

The U.S. Navy has a mission to “keep the seas open and free,” a commitment originating at its inception. Although the Continental Navy existed during the American Revolution, it disbanded in 1785. A decade later, extortion by Barbary pirates necessitated a naval force. These North African states demanded tributes for safe maritime passage, prompting President George Washington to establish the U.S. Navy in 1794, reinforcing the principle of freedom of navigation.

Washington and successor John Adams initially used diplomacy while continuing payments. In 1801, President Thomas Jefferson refused further tributes, deploying a small naval force. This led to conflicts, including the well-known 1805 battle captured in the Marine Corps Hymn as the “shores of Tripoli.” These tensions persisted until 1815 when American and European pressure ended the extortion practices.

Today, Trump’s actions potentially reverse America’s historical maritime role. Though the U.S. Navy will not enforce tolls as Trump initially suggested, the acceptance of Gulf States’ investments remains contentious. This arrangement resembles past tributes that once positioned Barbary pirates as adversaries.

America’s stance on navigation and trade has defined its global influence. During World War I, President Woodrow Wilson’s 14-point plan included a commitment to “absolute freedom of navigation.” This remained pivotal, informing initiatives like the Atlantic Charter’s principles established with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Even during the 1956 Suez Canal Crisis, President Dwight Eisenhower maintained the importance of free seas. Despite nationalization by Egypt, the U.S. supported the principle of unobstructed maritime passage, demonstrating its global maritime commitment.

Given these historical precedents, Americans must consider if Trump’s policy alignment truly reflects national values. Historical evidence strongly indicates that America traditionally refrains from collecting tribute, regardless of the guise under which it is presented.

Michael Szalma is a retired U.S. Army officer who served in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and is now a history professor in Central Florida.